Volunteering Policy

1. Introduction to Print Clan and our ethos:

Print Clan CIC is an inclusive screen printing studio that nurtures creativity in people at any ability. We accommodate social, design and fine art based projects by offering access to screen printing resources and training. We run a Wellbeing Programme in collaboration with third sector organisations around Glasgow, which provides arts access to disadvantaged communities.

Voluntary work with Print Clan is invaluable as it:

  • Provides potential volunteers with a range of experience including: community projects, studio based work, technician experience, arts facilitation and third sector engagement 

  • Operationally supports the work of Print Clan with its various programmes

  • Supports local community work and charities

  • Provides different skills and perspectives

  • Offers opportunities for participation by people who might otherwise be excluded.

This policy sets out the principles and practice by which we involve volunteers at Print Clan. 

2. Principles

Print Clan is a Community Interest Company, meaning that we are a not for profit social enterprise. We aim to pay all our employed staff fairly, with transparency, and offer a timebanking scheme in exchange for volunteer time.

Print Clan:

  • Recognises that voluntary work brings benefits to volunteers themselves, to service users and to paid staff

  • Will ensure that volunteers are properly integrated into the organisational structure and that mechanisms are in place for them to contribute to Print Clan’s work

  • Will not introduce volunteers to replace paid staff

  • Expects that staff at all levels will work positively with volunteers and, where appropriate, will actively seek to involve them in their work

  • Recognises that volunteers require satisfying work and personal development and will seek to help volunteers meet these needs, as well as providing the training for them to do their work effectively

  • Will endeavour to identify and cover the costs of involving volunteers, including providing reimbursement for travel expenses

  • Recognises that the management of volunteers requires designated responsibilities within specific posts

  • Will endeavour to involve volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities and ensure our volunteering opportunities are as accessible as possible

3. Recruitment

Print Clan’s recruitment of volunteers will generally be from all sections of the community, to ensure equality. Positive action in recruitment may be used where appropriate. Individuals interested in volunteering with Print Clan will be invited for an informal meeting with the Studio Manager or Director to establish suitability. They will be given general information about Print Clan and information regarding the voluntary position they are keen to fill.

When interviewed applicants are not successful they can ask for feedback regarding their application.

4. Vulnerable Groups 

Volunteers with Print Clan are likely to come into contact with vulnerable people and potentially be in a position of trust. They will therefore be asked to provide information about any criminal convictions and may be asked to complete a Disclosure Form prior to commencing volunteering. Print Clan will always pay any associated costs for a membership with Disclosure Scotland’s PVG scheme.
All information will be dealt with in a confidential manner but failure to apply for PVG could impact the success of a volunteer position. Again such applications will be arranged with Print Clan. 

5. Volunteer Role Descriptions and Volunteer Agreements

Volunteers will receive a role description and volunteer agreement containing information about their role and responsibilities. 

6. Induction and Training

Volunteers will be given induction and training appropriate to the specific tasks to be undertaken.

7. Timebanking Scheme

Print Clan operates a timebank for volunteers, meaning the hours put into helping the studio can be recouped as free workshop time.

Studio Keyholders are responsible for logging volunteer hours into the timebank. Once banked, hours can be exchanged for daily table hire without having to pay the usage fee. Three banked hours can be recouped for one daily table hire. Banked hours can not be used to pay for material costs. If a Volunteer is not a Member prior to working with Print Clan, their first six hours will be used to cover a full day’s induction into the studio. Following this studio induction, Print Clan will sign up the Volunteer to a yearly membership.

8. Support

Volunteers will be assigned a named person who will be a point of contact for the volunteer - likely to be the Studio Manager or Managing Director. Regular check-ins will take place for Volunteers to ensure there is constant communication regarding development of the role, and to ensure the volunteer has a chance to ask for advice. Volunteers will also be consulted in decisions which affect them.

9. Records

Minimum details will be kept on volunteers. This will include the registration form, references, placement details, crisis contact, correspondence and any other relevant information in accordance with Print Clan’s Confidentiality Policy.

10. Insurance

Volunteers will be covered by insurance while carrying out agreed duties.

11. Health and Safety

All volunteers will be given a full Health & Safety Induction on their first day of volunteering, and be provided with copies of Print Clan’s Health & Safety Policy, Fire Policy, and General Risk Assessment. The Studio Manager and Managing Director will take steps to ensure the volunteers’ health, safety and welfare whilst volunteering at Print Clan in accordance with the studio’s Health and Safety policy.

12. Equal Opportunities

Volunteers and staff will work in accordance with the studio’s equal opportunities policy and will prevent discrimination on any grounds.

If there are any concerns or issues: Volunteers have the right to discuss any concerns they may have with their named contact at any time. If the contact person is unable to resolve the problem they will refer the matter to the Print Clan Director or Studio Manager. 

13. End of Role

When volunteers leave Print Clan they will be asked to provide feedback on the volunteering experience by way of an exit questionnaire or interview. 

On the basis of their voluntary work, volunteers will have the right to request a reference.

14. Conclusion of Policy

Print Clan will systematically monitor and evaluate its use of volunteers with reference to this Volunteer Policy.


This policy was written in April 2023 and will be reviewed annually.